The paper analyses the ratings trends and outlook Global Building Materials in North America, South America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, their key risks and opportunities.

The builders are concentrating on entry-level the materials used for new homes will be reduced and there will be fewer premium products installed and slighter margins for building materials companies.  There are issues that have observed that a mix-down effect on consumers, specially millennials, have shifted spending habits away from premium building products toward mid-price choices. This is a long-term trend but fewer premium floors, kitchens and baths, and so on mean less margin for producers.  On the other side like commercial and infrastructure construction is still strong. As a result has been good for aggregates, cement, and other heavy materials producers. The states have been increasing spending on aging roads and bridges. Private commercial construction has been healthy, particularly in the construction of large distribution centers.  Commercial construction generally lags residential trends by 18-24 months because commercial property development follows new residential communities. We think the modestly positive trend in commercial construction is going on.